“Pictou Indians- From Mr. Dawson, Pictou Hon. Joseph Howe Pictou, 26 JanY, 1842 Dear Sir, I observe that something is to be submitted to the Legislature on my favorite subject the “civilization of the Indians.” I have given the subject some attention for more than 20 years, and have made myself quite familiar with the tribe, and have long and deeply regretted that I could do little for them. I may refer you to a communication I sent you last year and also to several others which were sent to Mr. Burnett in 1838 on the subject – if that gentlemen be still in Halifax he will show you them. But there are several matters in these letters I did not advert to, and yet they are of paramount importance. I shall first name one or two. The altered circumstances of the Indians have produced, already, some important changes in their habits, some for the better, others for the worse, the former should be acted on and encouraged. Necessity has forced on them the [pg.2] Manufacture of a variety of useful and ornamental articles for their subsistence, such as baskets, quill boxes, brooms, axe handles, hand pulls, etc. etc. these articles are necessary for the settlers, but the Indians at present hawk them about the towns and villages and too frequently get paid for them in spirits – to prevent this and to encourage their industry the commissioner should keep a sort of Indian bazaar where he would purchase all their wares at a liberal price, and paying them in cloths, provisions, etc. at the lowest possible rate. The Commissioner should also be the almoner of the Royal Bounty, to induce them to look to that persons as a sort of Father under their Royal Mistress. As the Catholic Clergy have it in their power to render all attempts abortive, the strongest assurance would require to be given them that their Religion would in no case be interfered with – and in fact the influence that these men possess over them might be turned to good account in many ways. I would take every possible measure to dissuade from pauperism and encourage them in supporting themselves. The boys should be taught [pg.3] to read and write in English – the use of the spade, hoe, and axe, beside the handicrafts their fathers already know. The girls should be taught to sew, spin, and knit etc. and some wool should annually be furnished to them in exchange for a part of their wares for this purpose, and all these things should be understood to be but preliminary to their settling on a piece of land and ultimately adopting regular civilized habits, while in the mean time their comfort will be secured. I am yours truly, Jas. Dawson From Mr. Dawson Pictou, 19th May, 1842 Hone. Jos. Howe Dear Sir Yours of the 6th inst. Was duly received, and would have been replied to before this had it not been that I was in expectation of an interview with Rev. W. O’Reilly in which I have been disappointed – he has been at Merigomish all this month. I have wrote him and expect to see him soon. In the mean time I have got the enclosed memorandum from the Record office [pg. 4] Rergarding the lands on which the Indians reside at the mouth of this Harbour – by which you will see the exceeding loose nature of the title to their lands notwithstanding the number of hands it has passed through – the Indians all the time holding adverse possession. The lands in question were a part of the Philadelphia Grant made to the officers of the 82nd Regiment at the close of the American Revolutionary War, and there is little doubt that Dr. McLean of that Regiment was allowed by the other grantees to hold that portion of his share, altho [sic] his name, as W. Crerar says, does not appear in the Grant. But no one claiming it has ever had anything like possession of it until a few years ago, when it began to be sold in small lots by the late Rev. McKenzie – and the parties in doing so have had to drive the Indians from their clearing where they grow potatoes etc. The Indians are passionately fond of this lot, as it affords them great facilities for the fishery, but I am afraid [Pg. 5] There is no way of gratifying them in regards to it, as there are now some settlers on it, and a high price would be demanded. The next place to which they are fondly attached is a small island in the harbour of Merigomish (about 200 acres) on which they have a chapple [sic] and burying ground – this place is included in Governor Wentworth’s Grant, and the Indians are permitted to occupy it merely by the courtesy of the heirs. I have asked Mr. Crerar if there be any Indian Reserves in the County but am sorry to say there are none – they have been driven from one place to another till they have not a foothold left they can call their own. Their very burying grounds have in some instances been dececrated by the plough – but I trust the time has arrived when they will get some compensation for their wrongs. So soon as I can get an interview with Mr. O’Reilly I intend to go with him to the camp and have a talk with the whole tribe, and I will then be able to ascertain what chance there is of [pg. 6] Carrying into effect the various objects you point out in yours of the 6th Inst. 23rd May I have this moment got a letter from the Preist who promised to do all in his power to make the Indians meet your views – he is to be here in Friday next and will accompany me to the Camp. After holding a meeting with the Indians I will do myself the pleasure of advising you of the result. I am yours respectfully, Jas. Dawson Abstract of Title, referred to in foregoing letter: Transfer of Moodies Lot so called – estimated at 500 acres. 1. Mortgage, Donald McLean to Mich. Wallace dated 14th June 1787. Registered 26th Sept 1791. See Liber 1- Folio 15 2. Assignment of Mortgage Michael Wallace to Messr. Geo. And Jas. Abel of London. [pg.7] Dated 17 August 1798.- Registered 1st July 1799. See Liber 1 Folio 298 3. Deed James Abel to Edward Mortimer dated 10th July 1803. Registered 26th FebY 1806. See Liber 2 Folio 400 4. Release Edward Mortimer to John Cameron. Dated 6th May 1807. Registered 1st May 1808. See Liber 3 Folio 120 5. Deed John Cameron to Geo. Robertson W. Forsythe and others. Dated 20th May 1810, Registered 28th May 1810. See Liber 3 Folio 332. 6. Deed – the Hon. B. Haliburton to Thos. Moodie. Dated 1st Sept. 1815, Registered 28th July 1816. See Liber 5 Folio 325. 7. Mortgage Thos. Moodie to Sir Charles Twining. Dated 14th May 1825 Registered 30th May 1825. See Liber 10 Folio 237. Discharged see Liber 21 Folio 467. 8. Assigned of mortgage to Charles Twining to Archibald McDonald. Dated 1st JanY 1832, Registered 12th AugT 1834. See Liber 17 Folio 39. Discharged See Liber 21 – Folio 447. 9. Assignment of Mort. Archibald McDonald to Wm. Mathieson dated 21st July 1834, Registered 12th Aug. 1834. See Liber 17 Folio 39. Discharged See Liber 21 Folio 467. 10. Deed the Adm. And Adm. Of Thos. Moodie to Kenneth J. McKenzie dated 1st May 1836 Registered 19th November 1835. See Liber 17 Folio 470. 11. Deed Ken. J. McKenzie 2/6 acres to King William the Fourth – dated 19th Nov 1835 Registered 19th Nov. 1835. See Liber 17 Folio 472. 12. Release of Mast. Wm. Mathieson to Ken. J. McKenzie, Dated 16th May 1838, Registered 27th Sep. 1838. See Liber 21 Folio 467. 13. Deed Ken. J. McKenzie to Charles and Jas. Donahue [pg. 8] dated 18th Augt. 1838. Registered 27th Sept. 1838. See Liber 21 Folio 467. 14. Deed K.J. McKenzie 110 acres to Geo. Foster and Wm. McKay, entered in Register’s office. Pictou 12th May 1842 Mr. James Dawson, Sir, The above I believe is all the information that can be gathered from the Records relating to the different transfers of what is called Moodies Lot, how Mr. McLean came to possession the records are silent and his name is not mentioned in the Original grant to the late 84th [sic] Regiment though I believe he was the doctor of that Regiment. Peter Crerar Register [pg. 9] From Mr. Dawson, Pictou Pictou 25th June, 1842 Hon. Jos. Howe, Dear Sir, After waiting some time until it was convenient for the Priest to make an appointment with me to visit the Indians at Merigomish Island, it was at length done, but just at that time Rev. Mr. Lauchlan came along unexpectedly and took Mr. O’Reilly with him to P.E. Island to see the Bishop there. As the time of planting would admit of no longer delay, I had therefore to go to Merigomish Island alone on the 1st June, when I was again doomed to disappointment in finding that all the Indians except one intelligent old fellow (Jno. Lapier) and a few females chad left that morning for different destinations to pursue the herring and cod fishery. I took with me a Mr. Jno. McDonald who lives in that neighbourhood and is much in the confidence of the Indians and we explained to Lapier the views of the government in regard to his tribe. He laid aside his hoe – for he was employed [pg. 10] Planting potatoes, assembled the females, and sat down and listened to us with great attention, and at the conclusion he expressed his hearty concurrence in the propriety of these benevolent intentions, but he as well as the females doubted the expediency and practicability of some of the details – for example they disapproved of any of their children being educated in the white man’s school- because, when so educated it would break off all the natural ties of affection and association between them and their tribe, and mutual dislike and contempt would be the result. As we could not get the better of this objection, we proposed that the females and children should stay a few of the summer months on the Island, and a teacher would be got to come over so many hours each day and teach them all in the chapple [sic] and at the same time give the young men some instruction in agricultural pursuits. This Lapier approved of and promised to speak favourably of the whole plan to the rest of the tribe when he saw them, and I should like to hear your views on this part of the subject. Indian Island [Pg. 11] As it is called, is a beautifully romantic and exceedingly fertile spot, but is not nearly so large as I was previously inclined to believe. I do no think it contains more than 50 acres – the Indians have a neat little chapple [sic] on it. A few of them have late years planted some potatoes on it, and we foiund that at the time we were there, John Lapier and several others had in their cellars from 15 to 30 bushels of potatoes each. Lapier promised to assist McDonald in persuading the other Indians to plant this year, and I gave McDonald instructions to provide some seed and hoes for those who had none, and who would make a proper use of them- this I believe he has faithfully attended to. We noticed one bad defect in their system of farming – after a potato crop they sow nothing on the spot, the consequence is that it becomes a bed of wild weeds and is consigned for a long series of years to sterility – I therefore furnished Lapier with a little wheat and grass seed to put on his next year’s potato ground, with which he seemed quite delighted – I have [pg. 12] Learned a most pleasing trait in Lapier’s character – he had that morning given a widow squaw a present of 5 bushels of potatoes out of his little stock to plant for herself and children, and she was busily occupied in clearing away a small spot of ground for them and waiting till Lapier had done with the hoe (that being the only one in the camp). I thought so highly of this generous deed in a savage that I ordered McDonald to present him in return with a ¼ cask of flour, which he has since done. Upon the whole I was not a little gratified with my visit, and I do not despair of something being got done for our Indians – altho [sic] the Priest has unfortunately come to the conclusion that their civilization is a helpless task. Merigomish Island is too small ror any purpose, except giving them introductory lessons in agriculture for which it is well adapted – other lands would require to be procured from them as they could be induced to settle them. I asked Lapier what claim they had to the Island, and he said that he and 3 others whom [pg. 13] He named held it by deed – either from Governor Wentworth or his representatives. He said their deed had been given about 13 years ago to the late H. Denoon Esq. to be recorded but that he had never been able either to get back the deed or to know whether It was on record. I had some doubts as to the accuracy of this statement, but McDonald removed them by assuring me that he was one of the subscribing witnesses to the deed. I promised to Lapier that I would endeavour to recover this document and have it recorded for him – but I am sorry to say that I have been unsuccessful. Mr. Crerar has examined the records and says it is not on record and that he can discover nothing of it among the old deeds left by the late recorder – this being the case what is to be done in regard to it? The Indians here have applied themselves this year with unusual assiduity ad success to the fishery and during the last two months have amply supplied the town and the shipping with fresh fish, and I think muse have realized some money by it. I am happy to add that fewer in- [pg. 14] Stances of desperation have occurred among them than usual. I hope you will be able to pay an early visit to this quarter, and you will please advise me of the time before you come, that I may arrange for getting a good meeting of the tribe for you – in the mean time I would like to know your opinion of this plan of introducing them on the Island, and whether it would be advisable to make an experiment this year. I am yours truly, Jas. Dawson. From Mr. Dawson Pictou 29th Sept 1842 Hon. Jos. Howe Dear Sir, I am without a reply to the communications sent you. The object of writing you at present is this – Rev. Mr. O’Reilly called on me the other day, wishing to know whether the terms of the present Indian Grant permitted you to apply any part to medical aid, the reason why he wishes to know this is, that several of the tribe here, are as he states labouring at the present under dangerous diseases, and the overseers [pg. 15] of Poor refuse them any aid. He wishes if you can allow a few pounds for the purpose, that you would name D. McMillan of this place as their medical attendant – please let me hear from you in course of Post, and oblige yours truly, Jas. Dawson Answer to foregoing Halifax Oct 1 1842 My Dear Sir I thought I had written you some time after the receipt of your letter, giving you a carte blanche to do what seemed right in your eyes with the Indians until I could get East. If I did not ,or if you did not receive that letter, be kind enough to take this authority. The act contemplates no expenditure for medical attendance, and in general the Indians are better doctors than the whites – besides if one Doctor is put upon the Indian Civil list another muse be, and from the bills sent in for transient pauper cases to the House, the cost would be enormous. A few pounds are not of much consequence in an extreme case, but be sure to have some clear bargain and reasonable limit. Yours Truly J. Howe [pg. 16] From Mr. Dawson Pictou 30th Nov. 1842 Hon. J. Howe Dear Sir I do not know whether the Indians may reasonably expect anything this year in the shape of Royal Bounty – but those who reside here never had more need of it. The winter has set in with unusual scarcity and notwithstanding the generosity of the inhabitants to them, there is a great deal of destitution among them, particularly for clothing. If anything of this sort be get sent them from Head Quarters, it should be done without delay, as there are many invalids among them just now from age, blindness, and other infirmities, who cannot leave the camp to shift for themselves. There are about 40 or 42 families (about 130 individuals) belonging to this County at present- and if anything be sent them, it is necessary that every one get something, this was not the case last year, and there was much dissatisfaction in consequence – if you send to me I shall take pleasure in endeavouring to please them all. [pg. 17] There must really be something done next year in the way of getting the Pictou Indians some land either by purchase or otherwise, I mentioned to you before that they had not a foot reserved in this county that they could call their own. Until this be done they will not believe that government intends on doing them any good and they will not fall in with you measures. I have no hesitation in saying this much, because I have I from the mouths of their own chief men, and also their Priest who is always supposed to be in their confidence. I shall very soon send you an account of the few dollars I have expended for them – I say few because I did not see any way I could do them much good this year by expending money on them. I did not succeed in getting any of their young people instruction, but I think in another year I might get some benefit extended to them in this way. I am yours very truly, Jas. Dawson [pg. 18] Answer to the Foregoing 5th Dec 1842 My Dear Sir I was in hopes to have been able to have got East this summer, but it was with a good deal of difficulty that I made out to get around the Western Counties. Early in the spring I hope to visit the Indians in your county. In the meantime, I have directed Mr. [] to send you a few blankets and coats to be given to the aged and infirm, or poor families only. I wish you would let me know whether there are any crown lands in situations that would be suitable for them, because if there are than there would be no difficulty in getting a grant or reserve of 500 or 1000 acres. Jos. Howe From Mr. Dawson Pictou, 8th Dec. 1842 Hon Joseph Howe I duly received yous of 5th Inst. And a few hours after the blankets had arrived, which [pg. 19] I shall take care to distribute as you direct – they will not be sufficient to supply all the destitute among them, but I have got two young ladies to volunteer their services to solicit some old clothes from the inhabitants, and have no doubt but by these means united I will get them tolerably well supplied for the present. Since my last communication I have found out that a new source of misery has beset the poor Indians this cold winter. Here wood is getting very scarce and consequently valuable along the shores, and I was told the poor creatures had been driven from place to place with their camps, having been refused liberty to cut wood by the inhabitants about Fisher’s Grant, Boat Harbour, etc. On due enquiry into these reports I found them verified by respectable people, and therefore I have ventured to procure them the necessary supply this winter by promising to pay 4 or 5 dollars, this is but one of the consequences of no land being reserved near the shores for them. I have waited on Mr. Crerar the [Pg. 20] Deputy Surveyor, and examined all his plans which show government land in this county, and I see none ungranted that would suit the Indians so well as a spot in the Eastern division of the County at the head waters of Barney’s River, where 1000 acres at least should be granted for their use, to include the whole of a lake called “Brown Lake”, on the McKay’s map, and also lots no. 12, 16, 17, 18 to the north and N. West of said lake, as shown on Mr. Crerar’s plan, of which he says there is a copy in the S. General’s Office. Mr. Crerar agrees with me in thinking that this is the most eligible site for them in the County (not granted) for a winter residence as the Lake is well stocked with fine trout and its shores covered with good hard wood – the land around he says is good and what is of consequence to their moose, cariboo, and other game are yet plentiful in that quarter. But besides a grant of this land it will be of indispensable necessity to procure by purchase on the shores about Fisher’s Grant – their favorite resort – 50 [pg. 21] Or 100 acres which will serve as a summer residence while they pursue shore fishery and vend their various domestic manufactures- this lot would also serve for training them to farming occupations to prepare them for permanent residence on their grant. I intend to get a petition to the legislature signed by all the respectable inhabitants – setting forth their destitute situation and praying aid to procuring the necessary land for them in summer, this will help to strengthen your hand in procuring a liberal grant for the service next year. I will be happy to see you here next spring – which I hope will be as early as you can find it convenient. I am yours respectfully Jas. Dawson To John Whidden, Esq. Sir The Pictou Indians are without any land none having been reserved for them in that county. Thought numerous they have no property to improve [pg. 22] and are often distressed [] for fuel. Mr. Dawson, who has kindly interested himself in their welfare, at my request, and Mr. Crerar the deputy surveyor recommended that 1000 acres should be reserved for them at the head waters of Barney’s River, to include the whole of the lake called Brown Lake, and on McKay’s map, and also lots nos. 12, 16, 17, 18 to the north and north-west of said lake, as shown on Mr. Crerar’s plan. Will you be kind enough to bring the subject to the notice of his Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, with a view to the reservation and survey to the tract named, at as early a period as possible? I have the honor to be, Your obedt. Servt. Joseph Howe [pg. 23 – unconnected letter] [pg.24] From Mr. A. J. Harris Pictou 18th April 1842 Hon. Joseph Howe Dear Sir A few weeks ago I had a few lines from Hon. Mr. Uniacke mentioning that a petition which I had forwarded him for presentation to the House from the Indians praying implements to enable them to prosecute their agricultural labours had been referred by the House to the Indian Commissioner who would supply their wants from the Provincial Grant. As the season draws near when these tools will be needed I thought it my duty to advise you upon the subject. You will observe that the petition seeks picks, shovels, spades, axes, and hoes, now any implements further than the different kinds recited in the petition would I believe be unnecessary for the present as they do not use horses or oxen. But the difficulty it appears to me will be [pg.25] In obtaining information as to how many of the articles will be required for distribution and who ought to get them as it would be a pity that those of them who are unsteady and indolent and who would immediately dispose of their supply for liquor or something useless should not be distinguished to some extent from the deserving. Upon these points I confess myself wholly unable to give you information but if I might be permitted to suggest one that could, I would beg to direct you to either John Olding Esq., Merigomish, or Angus McDonald, Esq., Merigomish – they are both magistrates (the latter was appointed among the recent batch) and live near the Island on which the Indians are settled – perhaps Mr. McDonald would be the better of the two, as he lives the nearer to the Island, but either of them would be competent for the purpose. If you are unsuccessful in accomplishing anything for the amelioration of these poor children of the forest you will at least [pg.26] have these pleasing reflections which spring from the performance of worthy actions. Yours Respectfully Wm. J. Harris P.S. Any lands appropriated to the Indians must have the title so secured that they cannot alienate the lands. [Final pages discuss Indian reserve creation in Colchester County, near the boundary of Pictou County]
